Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Giving up--or adding something--to Lent

Hard to believe that Lent starts one week from today! I'm still diligently making my Jesus Tree felt pieces; will I finish in time?

Have you been thinking about what you will give up for Lent? Or some people suggest adding something--like praying the Rosary every day or keeping a prayer journal.

I'm hoping to add two things to my Lenten schedule:

1) Attend noon Mass every Tuesday at a nearby church. My kids' school drop-off schedules mean that I can never make morning Mass at our parish. I was thrilled to learn recently that another parish in our area offers a noon Mass every Tuesday. I plan to be there!

2) Spend an hour in the adoration chapel at our parish each week. I was a regular adorer two years ago. But school and activity schedules changed and I haven't been able to carve out a regular time to visit the chapel. I've picked out a day and time and am going to schedule the time in my Cozi calendar. I'm less likely to skip or forget that time if I "carve it in stone" in my online planner/calendar.

I'm hoping to give up one thing during Lent:

1) TV at night. After everyone has gone to bed, I relax by watching TV. We don't have cable, so I'm limited to about 10 broadcast channels. Unfortunately, the programming isn't very good and most of the programs promote values that make me uncomfortable. If I'm truthful with myself, I'm using TV as a passive way to relax at night. But there are much better ways! So I've filled a basket with good reading material--spiritual stuff, classic novels, stuff that intrigues me and says "read me!" I'll place the basket near the chair where I relax at night. Instead of switching on the remote, I'll be picking up a book and filling my mind with good stuff!

That's it. Three things I'll be changing during Lent. Only three, because I really need to keep my life simple these days!

2 comments:

My Lent promise is similar to yours...we are going to go to daily mass once a week. We went last week (a bit early, I know!) for the first time, and loved starting our day off that way. I'm also giving up the Facebook feed...I'm in a few groups that I need to monitor, but I'm planning on staying OFF the feed! http://enterundermyroof.blogspot.com

Jen,Good idea about giving up the Facebook feed. I've heard people say they are giving up Facebook, but it isn't always realistic. However, giving up the feed might be more do-able for some. Thanks for sharing the idea!

About this blog...

A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13:3-9, NAB)

When God made us parents, he gave us the task of "sowing the soil" of our children's hearts and souls. How can we nurture that soul so it is rich and ready for the Word of God? How can we help our children build a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus? This can be a daunting task, especially in today's commercialized, secularized world.

I felt like God was calling me to create this blog as a small way to help parents. Although I am not an expert, I will share ideas gleaned from my 8 years as a catechist and my training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. (I am certified in Level I and II.) I'm a parent too, with two children, so I will also share things that seemed to touch their souls.

And, because there is life outside the atrium, I'll also share some stuff about my life, including the trials and tribulations of homeschooling a spirited daughter!